It’s notoriously one of the world’s most patriarchal societies,but I had a behind-the-scenes look at the secret lives’ of women here.
From neon-lit cities to some of the oldest civilisations on Earth,from white-sand beaches to the highest mountains,no other continent can rival Asia for diversity.
As Mark Twain wrote,Damascus “measures time not by days and months and years,but by the empires she has seen rise and prosper and crumble into ruin”.
It’s an increasingly popular stopover spot for Australians and was striking enough for Tom Cruise to shoot a major Mission Impossible scene in.
Overcrowded Santorini tops my anti-bucket list:the places I’ve absolutely no intention to visit. Could this little fake version be nicer than the real deal?
This outstanding outpost of the venerable Mandarin Oriental brand impresses even more than most.
Oman is a rare creature of the Middle East. As I journey from desert camp to mud brick inn and five-star resort,dishes are as unexpected as they are fragrant.
It might be the conservative cousin of Dubai,but wealthier Abu Dhabi has rolled out ambitious tourism and cultural projects,and is a sight to behold.
Pilgrims,cameleers,incense traders,empire builders,and even Lawrence of Arabia have passed through these lands. Now,it’s the turn of curious travellers.
Dubai is one of the world’s youngest cities,but its multifaceted food DNA tells a much deeper story.